Back in the late 19th century, a small trail station sat outside of the larger city of Harlingen, Texas, surrounded by recently purchased land. As it was the first stop outside of Harlingen, the train station was given the name of Primera – and eventually, the whole city retained that namesake. "We consider Primera part of us, as part of the Harlingen community in a way. We share a lot of things," says Zintiha Loya, Harlingen resident and Realtor with Keller William Realty LRGV, who's been selling homes in Texas for over 20 years. "They have their own police and a couple of elementary schools, but we share a fire department, high schools, things like that." The healthcare industry, shipping and distribution via the Arroyo Colorado, and Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District are major employers for the area. Growing industry and new development have helped Primera increase and retain the city's property value. Primera has grown slowly but surely, with the population getting to just over 5,000 people via the 2020 Census.
This water tower can be found while driving along a country road in Primera.
Primera is centrally located and easily accessible from the various highways that surround it.
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Classic Texas architecture and new developments
Most properties in Primera from the 20th century are the typical styles in Texas, namely ranch homes. However, as new development has branched into Primera from the population growth in Cameron County, New Traditional and Spanish-influenced housing has popped up in new suburbs. The average selling price for housing in Primera settles around $300,000; even custom homes over 2,000 square feet hardly breach past $350,000. "Primera is a popular residential place because of the availability of land in the area; there are multiple builders developing the community," says Brandon Krupala, who is part of the Brandon and Audrey Krupala team at Keller Williams LRGV with over 10 years of experience servicing Cameron County.
Various architectural styles can be found throughout Primera's neighborhoods.
This single family, ranch-style home is located in one of Primera's neighborhoods.
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Schooling with the Harlingen CISD
Students in the area are zoned for the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District, ranked with a B grade and the second-best school district in Cameron County. There are two schools in Primera city limits: Rodriguez Elementary STEM Academy and Wilson Elementary Dual Language Academy, both of which have an overall B-minus rating from Niche. For middle and high school, students must head to Harlingen, and Harlingen CISD provides public buses so parents don't always have to find individual transportation.
Lamar Elementary was built in 1955 and was originally named Mirabeau B. Lamar Elementary School.
Moises Vela Middle School teaches students grades 6-8 in Primera, Texas.
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Playing at Primera Park and exploring surrounding green spaces
The city's primary recreation area is Primera Park, which has a playground, pavilion and plenty of green space for leashed dogs. It is also the site of several community gatherings, from Easter egg hunts to city-organized barbeques. Just a couple miles north of the city proper, Combes Community Park is a little more extensive, with playing fields, basketball courts and a walking trail. Many of Harlingen's public parks are located within 5 to 7 miles of Primera; Victor Park, adjacent to the Tony Butler Golf Course, is popular for the community swimming pool that opens during summer. The Estero Llano Grande State Park and the Resaca De La Palma State Park are about 30 miles from the town and are notable destinations for bird watching or hiking trails.
Primera Park has a an eight mile walking trail.
Spend a relaxing afternoon feeding the ducks at the Harlingen Sports Complex in Primera.
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The local businesses of Primera
Primera does not have any significant commercial areas; it has small local cafes and restaurants, convenience stores and a smattering of national retailers such as Dollar Tree. To find major big-box stores and retail outlets, residents head into Harlingen, namely about 8 miles to the southern corridor.
Dos Olivos Market Located in Primera offers an amazing selection of food, wine and retail items.
Tora only a 6 minute drive from Primera serves coffee & bubble tea.
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Holiday cheer in the Texas heat at Primera Winter Festival
The Primera Community Committee organizes most events throughout the year; celebrations include market days for residents to shop for local products, seasonal festivals and activities and movie nights at Primera Park. In 2022, Primera began a new annual Winter Festival, which brings a holiday celebration to the Texan city with live music, food trucks and an indoor ice-skating rink.
Navigating Primera and beyond via I-69E and I-2
For medical care, the Solara Specialty Hospitals Harlingen and the Harlingen Medical Center are about 9 miles south of the city. Valley International Airport is 6 miles to the east for domestic flights, operating with five different airlines. The major thoroughfares of Interstate 69E and Interstate 2 connect residents to Brownsville and Mexico to the south and San Antonio to the north.
Crime statistics and weather patterns for South Texas
According to FBI data, Primera is safer than 87% of cities and towns in the United States. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is one in 1,085, and the chance of property crime is one in 588, based on population. Primera's location in the southmost portion of Texas means heat is critical in living there; peak summer months can easily pass 100 degrees. November through February are the coolest months, averaging between 60 and 70 degrees.
Prior to being in Real Estate, I spent 30+ years in the hospitality industry managing everything from economy brands to full service hotels. My focus and passion has always been customer service. I think one of the most important things is to be able to listen. If you listen to your client, you will not only be able to find the home of their dreams but make it a reality. Originally from Ohio, I have been in the RGV for over 20 years. The RGV has been the perfect place to call home with my beautiful wife and our 3 amazing children. Whether your dream is living the City life….. Country / Ranch life …or the Island life, the Rio Grande Valley has it all and I can help make it a reality! I look forward to working with you to start your home buying or selling journey, as your biggest supporter and your guide. TOGETHER MAKING YOUR DREAM A REALITY.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
